This is the short version of the famous “Malatesta Castles” road race. This route has a total of 101km, which takes usually a minimum of four hours at a solid pace considering the elevation change of over 2000 metres.

Our route winds through towns and villages with a rich history. We are passing by historic castles from the Malatesta Dynasty that once ruled the area.

Starting from the hotel, the route continues through the town towards the Ospedaletto/Faetano lake following the Marano river. This part of the route is a faster stretch and a great way to warm up. The roads we are choosing have minimal traffic and the first 15km have less than 100 meters in elevation change.

From here we enter the Republic of San Marino, the road takes us over rolling hills which gives us time to enjoy the breathtaking view of San Marino’s valley and its three castles.

Detail climb San Marino m 467 asl

Total climb: 744 meters

Length: 17.9 km

Average slope: 4.9%

Max: 19.6%

Average climb time: 48m

After an fairly easy first part of this route we will climb up to Borgo Maggiore towards Ventoso to return into Italy. We descent 8km into the beautiful town of Verucchio.

After cycling thorough the town Centee we follow the road towards the Marecchia Valley. After crossing the Marano river we reach Poggio Berni.

Detail climb Sogliano al Rubicone

Total climb: 388 meters

Length: 10.7 km

Average slope: 4.5%

Max: 16.5%

Average climb time: 33m

Passing Camerano we continue towards Sogliano al Rubicone. Here you will see many local cyclist as this one of the more popolar cycling roads. Following the road for 13km with only a few hills we are passing through the village of Borghi where we will have a chance to fill up our water bottles again.

Detail climb Torriana

Total climb: 202 meters

Length: 2.3km

Average slope: 8.6%

Max: 18.3%

Average climb time: 33m

The route then takes us back with a long an exciting descent that passes by Torriana. The last climb of today takes us to Verucchio which we follow back towards Rimini.

Detail climb Verucchio m 299 asl

Total climb: 246 meters

Length: 3.1km

Average slope: 7.9%

Max: 15%

Average climb time: 14m

The last 14km of today’s route are fast with a slight descent. The road winds along historic buildings and offer great views of the Romagna coast.